Soft real-time systems are computing systems that prioritize timely task completion but allow for some flexibility in deadlines. Unlike hard real-time systems, where missing a deadline can lead to catastrophic failures, soft real-time systems can tolerate occasional delays without severe consequences. These systems are often used in applications like multimedia streaming and online gaming, where performance is important but not critical. In soft real-time systems, the quality of service is measured by how well the system meets its timing constraints. For example, in a video conferencing application, a slight delay in audio or video may affect user experience but won't result in system failure. This flexibility allows for more efficient resource utilization while still providing acceptable performance levels.